Paul,

Considering the potential for starter damage, proper bolt retorquing, and work involved, I'd ask you to consider the rope over the starter trick and impact wrench for these reasons:

1) Aside from the set-up rigging hassle (compared to stuffing rope in a hole), I think the Starter trick puts abnormal stress and shock on the pinion when it suddenly hits the resistance of a properly torqued pulley bolt. I know it works but why chance it? And it offers no way to retorque* the bolt to spec. IMO, that's something the average DIYer shouldn't take chances with.

2) For most of us, the Impact wrench doesn't allow retorquing to spec either. Although experienced pros may use it, it's a gamble I'd rather avoid when the rope method is so simple.

3) And no need to drain and remove the radiator for impact wrench clearance either. I certainly don't want that chore every time I do seals or a T-belt.

* P.S. The pulley bolt torque spec is:
Stage I - 44 ft lbs
Stage II - an additional 60° rotation (breaker bar plus cheater pipe for me:)

--
Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.